A recent study from Graz University of Technology highlights that women are 60% more likely than men to sustain injuries in car accidents. The research, which analyzed crash data from Austria spanning 2012 to 2024, examined 20,000 incidents involving both a male and a female in the same vehicle, where at least one occupant was hurt. The findings indicate that women experienced injuries in 90% of these crashes, while the injury rate for men stood at 57%. Moreover, women tended to suffer serious injuries even at lower speeds during collisions. To delve deeper into the causes of this disparity, the researchers conducted computer simulations of less apparent crashes, modifying factors such as seat position, seatback angle, collision speed, and the performance of seat belts and airbags. One significant factor contributing to the heightened risk for women is the longstanding design and testing of vehicle safety systems, which have predominantly focused on the "average male body." Standard crash-test dummies are typically based on a male model, with female dummies often being merely scaled-down versions, failing to account for essential anatomical differences like pelvis width, shoulder shape, and chest structure. The researchers reported that these models do not accurately represent 95% of women. Additionally, women are more frequently seated in the passenger position, where a reclined seat or a greater distance from the dashboard can diminish the effectiveness of safety features like seat belts and airbags. The core issue lies in the fact that crash tests are generally conducted with "average" occupants positioned upright in an ideal setting. The researchers advocate for the development of adaptable seat belts that can conform to different body shapes and seating arrangements, as well as for safety systems to be tested on a broader variety of body types, including the use of digital human models to potentially decrease the need for extensive physical crash tests.
Informational material. 18+.
